Interchangeable tubular undergarment

ABSTRACT

An elastic tubular undergarment having a plurality of portions is provided. Each portion has a different graphic. The tubular undergarment may be placed over a user&#39;s chest. A plunging neckline garment may be placed over the tubular undergarment, thereby exposing only a portion of the tubular undergarment. The tubular undergarment may be rearranged to expose a different portion, and thereby expose a different graphic. The graphic may include at least one of a color, design, and pattern.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application No. 61/740,581, filed Dec. 21, 2012, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an undergarment and, more particularly, to an interchangeable tubular undergarment that covers the chest.

The neckline is the top edge of a garment that surrounds the neck, especially from the front view. A deep or plunging neckline is a low neckline, in either a V, U or square shape, that reveal various amounts of a person's chest area. Sometimes it is desirable to cover the person's chest while still wearing the plunging neckline garment. Further, it is desirable to have an undergarment that covers the chest and matches the plunging neckline garment.

As can be seen, there is a need for an interchangeable tubular undergarment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus comprises: an elastic tubular undergarment comprising an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein at least the outer surface comprises a plurality of portions and a plurality of graphics, wherein the plurality of portions comprise at least a first portion and a second portion and the plurality of graphics comprise at least a first graphic and a second graphic, wherein the second graphic is different than the first graphic, wherein the first portion comprises the first graphic, and the second portion comprises the second graphic, wherein the elastic tubular undergarment is configured to fit over a chest of a user, and wherein the inner surface is configured to face towards the user and the outer surface is configured to face away from the user.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method of interchanging a graphic of an undergarment comprising: providing an elastic tubular undergarment comprising a plurality of portions each comprising a different graphic; placing the elastic tubular undergarment over a chest of a user; placing an over garment on the user so that a first portion of the plurality of portions of the elastic tubular undergarment is exposed; and changing the position of the elastic tubular undergarment on the user so that a second portion comprising a different graphic of the elastic tubular undergarment is exposed.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention shown in use and in initial orientation;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention shown in use and in 90 degree re-orientation relative to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the present invention shown in initial orientation;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the present invention shown 180 degree re-orientation relative to FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a front view the present invention shown in pre-application in initial orientation;

FIG. 6 is a top view the present invention demonstrating elasticity;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the present invention shown in post application in an orientation that is same as FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a front view of the present invention shown in post application in an orientation 90 degrees relative to FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a front view of the present invention shown in post application in an orientation 90 degrees relative to FIG. 8; and

FIG. 10 is a front view of the present invention shown in post application with an outer garment exemplification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides an elastic tubular undergarment having a plurality of portions each having a different graphic. The tubular undergarment may be placed over a user's chest. A plunging neckline garment may be placed over the tubular undergarment, thereby exposing only a portion of the tubular undergarment. The tubular undergarment may be rearranged to display a different portion, and thereby a different graphic. The graphic may include at least one of a color, design, and pattern.

The present invention includes an interchangeable bandeau. The tubular top may be worn over a brassiere or without the brassiere under a garment. The present invention may cover the person's chest of a garment that includes a plunging neckline. The present invention may include a plurality of different graphics, such as eight different graphics, to choose from. Therefore, the present invention saves space and money. The graphics may be any pattern, color, material design, or a combination thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 10, the present invention may include a tubular undergarment 10. The tubular undergarment 10 may include stretchable elastic material 14. The stretchable elastic material 14 may be part of the entire tubular undergarment 10 or sewn into a top and bottom portions. The tubular undergarment 10 may include an outer surface and an inner surface. The tubular undergarment 10 may fit over the chest 18 of an exemplary user 16. An over garment 12 may be placed on top of the user 16. The over garment 12 may include a plunging neckline, thereby exposing the tubular undergarment 10 underneath. The inner surface of the tubular undergarment 10 may face towards the user and the outer surface may face away from the user.

The tubular undergarment 10 may include a plurality of portions 36 and a plurality of graphics 38. The plurality of portions 36 may each include a different graphic 38. Therefore, when a user 16 places the tubular undergarment 10 over the chest 18 and places a plunging neckline over the tubular undergarment 10, at least one of the portions 36, and thereby at least one of the graphics 38 is exposed to an outside viewer, as illustrated in FIG. 10. Since each portion 36 includes its own graphic 38, the tubular undergarment 10 may be rearranged on the user's chest 18 to expose a different portion 36 and thereby a different graphic 38.

In certain embodiments, the plurality of portions 36 may include at least a first portion 20 and a second portion 22. The first portion 20 may include a first graphic and the second portion 22 may include a second graphic that is different than the first graphic. In certain embodiments, the present invention may include an upper portion 26, and a lower portion 34 oriented above and below one another. The upper portion 26 may include a first graphic and the lower portion 34 may include a second graphic that is different than the first graphic. In certain embodiments, the present invention may include a first side portion 28, and a second side portion 30 oriented side to side with one another. The first side portion 28 may include a first graphic and the second side portion 30 may include a second graphic that is different than the first graphic.

In certain embodiments, the present invention may include eight different portions 36 with eight different designs 38. For example, there may be the first portion 20, the second portion 22, the upper portion 26, the lower portion 34, the first side portion 28, the second side portion 30, and a second upper portion 24, and a second lower portion 32. Therefore, there may be a plurality of upper and lower portions 36 and there may be a plurality of side to side portions 36. Each of the portions may include a different design 38 and therefore, eight different styles may come with a single tubular undergarment 10. However, any suitable amount of graphics 38 and portions 36 may be used, and any combination of graphics 38, such as patterns, colors, and material designs, may be used. Further, any suitable material type may be used.

In certain embodiments, a method of making the present invention may include the following. The eight different pieces of material may be cut into about 9 inch horizontal by about 7 inch vertical rectangles. However, the pieces of material may be cut into any desired size to create a tubular undergarment of different sizes. After the material is cut into eight individual pieces, four pieces are sewn length wise leaving the ends open, then the other four pieces are sewn the same way. The two pieces of four are then sewn together down the middle of the present invention. The elastic bands may be sewn into the top and bottom with about a half inch hem. Then the two open ends are sewn together to form a tubular top. In alternative embodiments, the side portions may be separate and may be secured using snaps, Velcro®, clips, an eye and hook closure, or the like. Depending on the thickness of the material, the present invention may be made reversible or lengthened so more choices are be available. The lace tops may have a clear elastic band. The graphic of the present invention may include a design pattern, solid pattern, lace, or the like. Further, the graphics may be mixed and matched with different materials.

A method of using the present invention may include the following. A person may first decide which design, plain or lace rectangle they would like to wear to fill in the too low cut dress, top or jacket. The user may then slip the tubular undergarment over their head and position the rectangle to fill in the gap. Then the user may place on the over garment. If a different style is desired, the user may reposition the tubular undergarment. The tubular undergarment may be worn over a brassiere or without a brassiere.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: an elastic tubular undergarment comprising an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein at least the outer surface comprises a plurality of portions and a plurality of graphics, wherein the plurality of portions comprise at least a first portion and a second portion and the plurality of graphics comprise at least a first graphic and a second graphic, wherein the second graphic is different than the first graphic, wherein the first portion comprises the first graphic, and the second portion comprises the second graphic, wherein the elastic tubular undergarment is configured to fit over a chest of a user, and wherein the inner surface is configured to face towards the user and the outer surface is configured to face away from the user.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of graphics comprise at least one of a pattern, a color, and a material design.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of portions comprises an upper portion and a lower portion oriented above and below one another, wherein the upper portion comprises the first graphic and the lower portion comprises the second graphic.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of portions comprises a first side portion and a second side portion oriented side to side with one another, wherein the first side portion comprises the first graphic and the second side portion comprises the second graphic
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of portions comprises a plurality of upper portions and a plurality of lower portions, wherein each of the plurality of upper portions and lower portions comprise a graphic, wherein each graphic is different from the other.
 6. A method of interchanging a graphic of an undergarment comprising: providing an elastic tubular undergarment comprising a plurality of portions each comprising a different graphic; placing the elastic tubular undergarment over a chest of a user; placing an over garment on the user so that a first portion of the plurality portions of the elastic tubular undergarment is exposed; and changing the position of the elastic tubular undergarment on the user so that a second portion comprising a different graphic of the elastic tubular undergarment is exposed.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the plurality of graphics comprise at least one of a pattern, a color, and a material design. 